Geelong v Western Bulldogs AFL betting tips – Round 24, 2023

Geelong v Western Bulldogs AFL R24 best bets

Geelong v Western Bulldogs AFL R24 match preview

In the last round of the 2023 AFL Premiership season, the Western Bulldogs will be looking to keep their finals hopes alive when they face the Geelong Cats at GMHBA Stadium.

Last weekend, Geelong’s finals chances were ruined as they went down to the St Kilda Saints by 33 points at Marvel Stadium. The final score flattered the Cats, with the Saints’ inaccuracy keeping the score from blowing out further.

After winning the AFL Premiership last season, the Cats have had a very disappointing 2023. Missing finals means that this weekend they have nothing to lose.

The Western Bulldogs suffered the biggest upset of the AFL season so far last weekend as they went down to the last-placed West Coast Eagles by seven points at Marvel Stadium. A slow start made it tough for the Dogs, while accuracy in front of goal was the big difference on the day, with the Eagles taking their opportunities to kick 14.8 as opposed to the Bulldogs’ 12.13.

The loss leaves the Bulldogs’ fate out of their own hands. After sitting as high as fifth in round 19, they now need to beat the Cats and hope that the GWS Giants lose their match against the Carlton Blues on Sunday night.

Expect multiple changes for the Cats this weekend, with Jeremy Cameron, Tom Hawkins, Brad Close, Esava Ratugolea and Mitch Duncan all being ruled out. That means we could see several debutants, while youngsters Mitch Knevitt, Cooper Whyte and Ollie Dempsey will be in the mix on the back of strong form in the VFL.

The Bulldogs will be without consistent midfielder Jack Macrae (concussion) and defender Taylor Duryea (suspension) this weekend. But expect in-form midfielder Tom Liberatore to return after missing last weekend due to concussion.

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Geelong v Western Bulldogs AFL R24 betting predictions

The Bulldogs haven’t won at GMHBA Stadium since 2003, but with the Cats playing for nothing and missing a host of stars through injury, this weekend presents as the perfect chance to do so. With their season on the line, we are backing the Dogs to win this one at $1.77 with Neds.

After a disappointing showing with just seven disposals and a goal last weekend, Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will be eager to bounce back. The last time these two sides played, Ugle-Hagan looked the most threatening of the Bulldogs forwards, kicking 1.3 from 14 disposals. Look for Ugle-Hagan to be the primary option for the Bulldogs going forward as he kicks two or more goals at $1.72 with top AFL bookmakers.

Coming off 35 disposals last time these two sides met, Bulldogs half-back Caleb Daniel will be looking to replicate that performance after a disappointing month of footy. He was better last week with 25 touches against the Eagles, and we like him to reach that mark again at $2.20 with top online bookmakers.

Key matchup: Tom Atkins v Tom Liberatore

Tom Atkins vs Tom Liberatore

Leading the Cats midfield for contested possessions, clearances and tackles this season, Tom Atkins has been the most consistent player at the club. Playing every game this season, Atkins had a career-high 34 disposals against the Pies two weeks ago. With the Bulldogs midfield expected to get on top, look for Atkins to find his own footy while also showing elite defensive pressure.

Coming back from concussion after missing last week, Tom Liberatore has been one of the form players of the AFL over the previous month. Averaging 33.3 disposals over the month before he got injured, Liberatore sits second in the competition for average clearances. With his season on the line, look for a big performance from Liberatore.

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